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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Baby shower fee???

116 replies

Bedsheets4knickers · 05/02/2015 21:44

Got invited to a friends baby shower a few weeks ago . It now comes about to attend we have to pay £22 for the privilege . Is this normal etiquette???

OP posts:
juneybean · 05/02/2015 21:45

Um no... In my day it was a nice get together to wish the mother to be well?!

IDontDoIroning · 05/02/2015 21:45

Just decline the invitation

Nolim · 05/02/2015 21:46

Decline

ShadowSpiral · 05/02/2015 21:49

Are you expected to bring a present too?

FamiliesShareGerms · 05/02/2015 21:51

I will never go to a baby shower

Aeroflotgirl · 05/02/2015 21:51

No I would decline. Very grabby.

ENormaSnob · 05/02/2015 21:52

I had a similar invitation about 2 years ago.

declined it.

Original poster
Bedsheets4knickers · 05/02/2015 21:52

Yes .. It's a cheek isn't it x

OP posts:
lougle · 05/02/2015 21:53

This has all the makings of an interesting thread. £22 to attend? Crazy!

Shakey1500 · 05/02/2015 21:53

No idea what the "etiquette" is. I do know it sounds a fucking cheek though Grin

EdSheeran · 05/02/2015 21:53

The fecking cheek of it.

wanderingcloud · 05/02/2015 21:53

The last two baby showers I've been to I have paid for, how else can the host cover the cost of drinks, food, decorations etc? and actually there was also one I couldnt go to at the last minute but I still paid as to not to would increase the cost to everyone else attending. In my social circle they seem to be like a mini-hen do with spa treatments and high tea at a restaurant etc hence the cost.

elQuintoConyo · 05/02/2015 21:54

There's no 'etiquette' about it at all. Mr Debrett would be rolling in his grave!

AmericasTorturedBrow · 05/02/2015 21:54

every baby shower I've been to the host has covered costs or asked everyone to bring a dish or whatever - not sent out a fee or bill. Cheek

wanderingcloud · 05/02/2015 21:54

I've never had one myself though I'd like to add!!!

Original poster
Bedsheets4knickers · 05/02/2015 21:55

Wandering cloud this is the type I'm going to .

OP posts:
Original poster
Bedsheets4knickers · 05/02/2015 21:56

No nor have I

OP posts:
Koalafications · 05/02/2015 21:56

Baby showers are enough of a piss take let alone paying to attend one. I'd rather get a takeaway and sit in my PJ's

ScrambledEggAndToast · 05/02/2015 21:56

What do you get for your £22? Grin

Britbird · 05/02/2015 21:57

Decline.

Aeroflotgirl · 05/02/2015 21:57

Exactly, requests for a dish or help with decorating and party games is fine. But money, very grabby, on top of that a present. You have every right to decline.

elQuintoConyo · 05/02/2015 21:57

I did my 'baby shower' myself: people rocked up to my Hallowe'en party empty-handed and just had a laugh. I thought it was just a chance to see everyone and have a nice social time and a laugh before my life changed.

If I'd known we were supposed to be charging these days...

sebsmummy1 · 05/02/2015 21:58

My baby shower, when I was working, was a few drinks in a pub with nibbles. My drink was paid for and I received presents but it was totally unexpected and I'd have been mortified if someone had tried to organise an event where the guests had to pay. How crass!!

jimmycrackcornbutidontcare · 05/02/2015 21:58

How else is the host supposed to cover costs? - Isn't that like saying it is perfectly fine to charge dinner guests for coming to your house? If you throw a party, you pay for it. If you can't afford a fancy one then tone it down or don't have one.

Original poster
Bedsheets4knickers · 05/02/2015 21:58

Sarnies , tea /coffee scones

OP posts: